Split Rim Alloy Wheels Refurbishment - the options

[WeekendWonder]

I've been looking around to get my wheels refurbed which are the 18 inch GT3 split rims/SportDesign. Thought I'd share my findings.

The person I bought the car from has scuffed all the rims pretty badly. The front wheel rims have been painted (originally polished/diamond cut) and a lot of this has peeled and the revealed metal is tarnishing (gone brown)

If your situation is similar to me, the rims are in bad shape but the mid is ok here are the options I found so far:

All prices are +VAT

1) A mobile alloy repair company (various) come to your chosen location - will repair and repaint/gloss without splitting the wheel: £40-60 per wheel - this includes repairing the centres and the rims then painting and and lacquering. Won't last long as this doesn't coat the wheels completely (as they are not split)

2) Lepsons.com will split the wheels and strip + repair +polish the rims only for £30 per wheel - no coating hence it has to be polished regularly. You have to get the wheels (without the car) to them and leave them for 5 days. If you take the wheels on the car they charge and extra £40.

3) As per 2 but will lacquer the rim - £70 per wheel. You wouldn't have to polish the wheels unless you get another scuff, which let's water under the lacquer and it all starts bubbling/peeling over time. No warranty!

4) As per 3 but also fully strip and repaint (powder coat) the middle part - this is like getting a brand new wheel back - £100 + VAT. Once again the hard part is getting the wheels to them and being without for 5 days minimum!

I found some of the mobile guys 'claim' to take your wheels, leaving the car on stands, then take them to Lepsons for the full works - charge about £125 per wheel.

If you can think of other refurb options I'd be interested.

[fastboydave]

I had a Box S with the "Sport Design" wheels and had an 'issue' with the rears.......... No damage, but i had a 'production flaw' on the outer polished rim and the alloy was corroding in places. Luckily for me, even though it was out of warrantee i managed to write a great letter to Porsche GB quoting my limited knowledge of casting and alloys and basically managed to convince them it was a production flaw, which in my opinion it was. Two new wheels were shipped to my dealer. After that experience i would never have the split rims again, even though they look the best, they are just to dam difficult to get them refurbed should anything go wrong............ However........

In my opinion you have great wheels (possibly the best looking Porsche wheels in my opinion) and therefore should be refurbed to the best possible standard. What are these wheels from a dealer new? £1000 each??? I.M.H.O you should get the best refurber and pay the money as its a small price to pay considering the inherent value of them. Also, if you get them done 'right' you wont have to get them done again, and have the same hasle all over again that you refer to....... Hire a cheap car for a few days, a nice Micra!! ;-)

[WeekendWonder]

I love the wheels and you're right it's got to be worth the full treatment.

911design.co.uk under wheels/Porsche original wheels are selling a set for 1695 +VAT. Probably a lot more from an OPC.

Hope I get to hire a 1.0L Micra in that plasticy white colour to get the full effect :cheers:

[fastboydave]

Thats pretty good that price! I actually used those guys for new rear discs and pads. Very pleased with them, will be getting my fronts from them soon......

Let us know how you get on with the refurb.........

As for the Micra, there is no other way than looking like mobile 'white goods'!!! Suuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuperb!

[nigrellv]

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Edited May 19, 2013 by nigrellv